Cathode seated liquid coolant tube for a plasma arc cutting system

A method of aligning an electrode within a plasma arc cutting torch, the method comprising:

• installing a liquid coolant tube comprising (i) a set of electrode guides and (ii) a set of coolant flow channels located among the set of electrode guides;
• installing the electrode within the plasma arc cutting torch, the electrode having an elongated electrode body defining a cavity configured to receive a distal portion of the liquid coolant tube;
• producing a coolant flow to the plasma arc cutting torch through the set of coolant flow channels;
• and
• producing a coolant flow pressure in a gap between an external surface of the liquid coolant tube and an internal surface of the electrode,
• wherein the set of electrode guides influence electrode alignment via the coolant flow pressure in the gap.

A liquid coolant tube for a plasma arc cutting torch, the liquid coolant tube comprising:

• a hollow elongated body comprising a set of electrode guides;
• a proximal end of the hollow elongated body configured to fixedly connect to the plasma arc cutting torch, and
• a distal tip of the hollow elongated body that is chamfered;
• wherein an external surface of the hollow elongated body and the set of electrode guides partially define a set of coolant flow channels that are disposed among the set of electrode guides, the set of electrode guides shaped to facilitate alignment of an electrode within the plasma arc cutting torch.